THE FUTURE OF PULSES
The U.S. pulse industry—dry peas, lentils, chickpeas, and dry beans—is gaining fresh momentum at home and abroad. By building demand, strengthening policy, and fueling innovation, we’re shaping the future of farming.
From founding USA Pulses to global recognition during the International Year of Pulses, our industry has always been driven by forward thinkers. Today, domestic consumption is surging: dry pea use alone rose 28% from 2020 to 2023. Pulses are showing up in everything from snacks to pet food, reflecting growing demand and opportunity.
But the old export-driven model no longer suffices. As trade becomes more political and competition intensifies, we must prioritize resilience, strategy, and domestic growth. Pulses are central to solving today’s nutrition and sustainability challenges. Our Nourishing the Future initiative is expanding pulse use in school meals, supporting student health, school budgets, and sustainability. With nearly 30 million students served daily through the National School Lunch Program, the impact is real.
At the July 2025 USA Pulses Summit, 150 international buyers connected with 200 U.S. suppliers, generating an estimated $99 million in sales and showcasing the global appeal of U.S. pulses. We’ve already made major strides: securing federal research funding, influencing the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and overcoming trade and regulatory barriers. Through our Coalition for the Advancement of Pulses (CAP), we completed critical studies demonstrating the health benefits of pulses, leading to an increase in the recommended weekly intake from 1.5 to 2.5 cups. We’ve also navigated trade disruptions and shifting markets with a focus on building a more sustainable, resilient industry.
But our work continues. Together, we must:
– Drive domestic demand through health and culinary trends
– Grow and diversify export markets
– Invest in research on yield, quality, and health
– Establish a U.S. sustainability certification
– Make pulses a central part of every meal and snack
The path forward is clear: by uniting around innovation, nutrition, and sustainability, we can build a stronger future for pulses and for our planet.
